Techno Pharma Egypt, a subsidiary of Pharco Pharmaceuticals, announced in a press conference that it plans to double its production of contraceptives in the coming period. Managing Director of Techno Pharma, Ahmed Refai, said the company is pumping monthly after doubling production, 0.5m packs of its products, and is expected to increase to about 5m packages by the end of this year. Refai said during the press conference held by the company on Wednesday that Techno Pharma plans to produce 6m packs next year, to cover the needs of the market, in addition to 1m packs of other hormone medications. Notably, the last period witnessed a severe shortage of contraceptives at pharmacies. He explained that the company produces four types of contraceptives: Femogesal priced at EGP 24.5, Norgestadiol for EGP 22.25, Technospiron for EGP 25.25, and Ovunhipita for EGP 22. He explained that the company uses high-quality raw materials imported from the European Union in manufacturing its medicines, to ensure the highest efficiency and safety for its clients and to compete with imported counterparts. Mohamed Helmy, a board member of Pharco Pharmaceuticals, said an awareness campaign by Techno Pharma was launched targeting women who visit pharmacies to raise their awareness of family planning and introduce them to new local alternative contraceptives. Helmy asserted that Techno Pharma seeks to meet the market's needs of contraceptives, with the aim to face the overpopulation crisis. Moreover, Nesreen Fouad, head of health services at the Population Council, said, "About 59% of married women in Egypt consumed contraceptives in 2018, while unintended pregnancies reached 15%." She added that the state's population exceeded 100 million people, noting that the state is trying to confront the rapid growth rate in population whether through awareness campaigns or the provision of contraceptives. However, the problem still persists, devouring resources and adversely affecting the economy, education, health, and quality of services. She stressed the pivotal role of civil society institutions, including NGOs, in raising awareness of the importance and the benefits of family planning for individuals and society, as well as correcting misconceptions about contraceptives. Fouad elaborated that national pharmaceutical companies play a more important role in providing family planning medicines at affordable prices and continuous supply.
